Karoline Leavitt’s relationship with her much older husband has become a popular topic for critics and comedians alike, and Jimmy Kimmel didn’t miss his chance to join in.
Just days into Leavitt’s new role as Donald Trump’s press secretary, the late-night host made a pointed joke suggesting that her personal life may have influenced her appointment.
Recently on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Kimmel acknowledged that Leavitt had made history as the youngest person to ever serve as press secretary at the White House—an undeniably notable accomplishment. However, the acknowledgment quickly turned into satire.
“She’s married to a much older real estate magnate, which, you know, in that case you’re hired,” he quipped with a big smile on his face suggesting the obvious as he took a dig at Leavitt’s qualifications, mocking the 32-year age difference between her and her husband Nicholas Riccio.
Whether or not one supports Karoline Leavitt’s politics her background does show notable achievements. The executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at her alma mater told CBS News that she was one of the most impressive students he had ever encountered.
At just 25, she ran for Congress in 2022, and prior to that, she served as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany during Trump’s first administration. In light of her experience, it’s hard to argue she’s unqualified—regardless of her marriage—and implying otherwise comes off as more than a little sexist.
Leavitt was already in politics when she met her husband
While it’s easy to draw comparisons between Karoline Leavitt’s marriage and Donald Trump’s—given that President’s age difference with his wife is similar — it’s important to note that Leavitt had built a political career long before meeting her older husband, Nicholas Riccio.
At 23, she worked as an assistant to Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and launched her congressional campaign before ever meeting Riccio. As she shared on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” they met at a campaign event hosted by a mutual friend at Riccio’s New Hampshire restaurant. “We met, we were acquainted as friends, and then we fell in love,” she said.
When asked about their age gap, Leavitt admitted, “Yes of course!” but praised Riccio’s support, joking, “I walked into your life and it’s been a circus ever since.” Ironically, Jimmy Kimmel had joked Leavitt was “now the ringleader at the White House,” proving the circus theme runs strong—just in different ways.
